It’s been a tumultuous twelve months (and then some) for New Zealand’s Mt Ruapehu as locals have played the will they or won’t they ever open again game.
Let’s just say, it’s complicated, and has involved millions of dollars of government bail outs, bidder walk outs, court cases, a failed effort for a not for profit operator and private investment in-fighting. Let’s also just say that Tūroa and Whakapapa are going it alone with two different operators, RAL for Whakapapa and Pure Tūroa for Turoa after an 18 month takeover process.
There has definitely been tears, anger, frustration and more for local operators as the $100m local winter industry stood in jeopardy and for skiers and boarders who have also lost money as dual mountain life season passes have been abolished.
But the good news for the North Island is that the 2024 season will officially operate and there will be a ski season. A far cry from a year ago.
Whakapapa are the first to release season pass prices today with a 30% discount for current Life Pass holders on a 2024 season pass. The official price for Anytime Season Passes is NZD$649 and NZD$399 for Weekday Passes.
RAL has teamed up with the Powder Alliance to provide three days free skiing at partner resorts in Canada and the US for season pass holders. They’ve also added buddy passes and half price skiing at Auckland’s indoor Snowplanet.
Did we mention that kiwi kids under 10 also ski for free with the “purchase” of a child season pass before Wednesday 15 May 2024.
New Day Passes for 2024 include three day passes and beginner lower mountain passes only.
Pure Tūroa are set to reveal their prices soon.
